PFAW Applauds Senate Committee Vote on Amendment to Get Big Money Out of Politics

Senate Committee Votes to Support Udall Amendment

WASHINGTON – Today the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to support SJ Res. 19, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Congress and the states to regulate money in elections. It is expected to have a full Senate floor vote this fall.

People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:

“This vote is an important step forward for the movement to take back our democracy from billionaires and corporations. It’s also good news for the overwhelming majority of ordinary Americans who want to see our elected officials loosen big money’s grip on our democracy.

“In the wake of cases like Citizens United and McCutcheon, the voices of everyday Americans are being overpowered by the money of special interests. That’s not how democracy is supposed to work. People understand that. Americans have made it clear that all of our voices should be heard. We look forward to a full Senate vote on this important piece of legislation.”

An edit memo[1] released last month by People For the American Way explains how SJ Res. 19 would restore the First Amendment and strengthen our democracy. PFAW submitted testimony[2] about SJ Res. 19 to the Senate Judiciary Committee and worked with allies to deliver over two million petitions[3] in support of an amendment. PFAW also joined sixty other organizations in a letter[4] urging senators to support the proposed amendment.